Starting with the “Oakland 100 Million Father March” between at 9. a.m., dads and their families and friends will gather at the 100 Black Men of the Bay Area Community School campus at 3400 Malcolm Avenue, which is near the Hellman Recreation Center in East Oakland, and walk together from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. to the extravaganza site nearby.

Imagine That!, a nonprofit created for children to experience the joy of imagination, and with a particular aim to work with kids who are foster kids, homeless, or children of incarcerated parents, says the extravaganza hopes to get kids excited and prepared for school.

“By attending the Imagine That! Back to School Extravaganza, students in elementary school have a chance for a fresh start. Students will go back to school healthy and equipped with the resources and information they need to have a successful school year,” the organization said in a statement.

“Spirit of West Oakland” will include music by local bands, including Aisha Fukushima, as well as family games, food, raffles and prizes. Most importantly, students and parents can find resources there about how to achieve in school and be ready for the year.
The event is being put on as a business-community partnership by Alliance Recycling and youth from Alternatives in Action’s YOLO group at McClymonds Youth & Family Center, who envisioned the event as creating a safe, multi-generational, community centered space that encourages members of West Oakland to take a stand against violence.

And the Oakland Unified School District is holding its own “Back-to-School Festival and Open House” for families to receive information about educational readiness, attendance, health and healing. Sponsored by the Family Engagement Office, it is taking place today at 746 Grand Avenue from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Parents can find information about enrolling their children in health care services and about how to get involved in their children’s schools.

In Oakland, schools open and classes begin on August 26 for children and youth who attend Oakland Unified School District. The days leading up to the beginning of school are always filled with anticipation and preparation.